Machu Picchu + Sacred Valley + Rainbow Mountain 05 days

Upon arrival at the Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport, our staff will welcome you and transfer you to the selected hotel in the city of Cusco (3,400 m.a.s.l.). This first day is essential for your acclimatization to the altitude, a crucial process to fully enjoy your trip.

For those who want to start discovering Cusco, we recommend a few simple walks through the emblematic places of the historical center of the city, this on your own, visiting:

• Main Square (Plaza de Armas): The historic center, where you’ll witness the fascinating blend of Inca and colonial architecture, including the majestic Cathedral and the Church of the Society of Jesus.
• San Pedro Market: is the oldest and most emblematic market in Cusco, Peru. Located in the Plazoleta San Pedro, in front of the church of the same name and only 5 blocks from the Plaza de Armas, it is an ideal place to immerse yourself in the daily life of the people of Cusco and explore the rich Andean culture.
• San Blas neighborhood: Known as the artisans’ quarter, famous for its narrow cobblestone streets, craft workshops, and the church that houses the famous carved wooden pulpit.

After breakfast at the hotel, we will begin our excursion to the Sacred Valley, one of the most important regions of the Inca Empire.

Chinchero:

• We will visit the impressive archaeological sites and the colonial church built upon Inca foundations.
• We will take part in a traditional textile demonstration, where local women will show us everything from spinning alpaca wool to using natural dyes made from regional plants.

Moray:

• We will explore the mysterious circular terraces that functioned as an advanced Inca agricultural laboratory, allowing for the cultivation of different crops at varying altitudes.

Maras Salt Mines:

• We will admire the spectacular ensemble of more than 3,000 salt pools, which have been exploited since pre-Hispanic times, creating a unique landscape of white and pink hues.

Ollantaytambo:

• We will explore this magnificent fortress, a remarkable example of Inca military engineering, with its impressive terraces and stone temples.
• We will enjoy a delicious buffet lunch in Urubamba before continuing our journey.

In the evening, we will take the train to Aguas Calientes, the base town for visiting Machu Picchu the next day.

This special day begins very early with breakfast at the hotel. We will take one of the first buses to Machu Picchu (approximately a 30-minute trip).

Important: You must bring your original passport to enter the citadel.

Our professional guide will accompany you on a tour of approximately 2 hours, explaining:

• The history of this impressive archaeological site
• The details of its unique architecture
• The spiritual significance it held for the Incas

Optional: Ascent to Huayna Picchu (requires reservation at least 6 months in advance, additional cost $65 USD). This hike offers:

• Unique panoramic views of the entire archaeological complex
• The opportunity to appreciate Machu Picchu from a different perspective

After the guided tour, you will have free time to:

• Explore on your own
• Take photographs
• Simply contemplate the majesty of this Wonder of the Modern World

In the afternoon, we will return by bus to Aguas Calientes and then by train to Cusco.

We leave early for Pitumarca (approximately 2 hours by private transport), from where we will begin our hike to Rainbow Mountain.

Trekking details:

• Maximum altitude: 5,200 meters above sea level
• Ascent time: Around 2 hours (depending on the group’s pace)
• Our guides are equipped with supplemental oxygen and a first aid kit to ensure your safety

Upon reaching the summit, we’ll enjoy approximately 30 minutes to admire this unique natural phenomenon, where the different mineralizations in the soil have created a spectacular natural rainbow. Our guide will explain:

• The geological processes that gave rise to this wonder
• The cultural importance of the place for local communities

The descent is quicker (approximately 1.5 hours), and we’ll finish with a revitalizing lunch at a local restaurant before returning to Cusco.

After breakfast at the hotel, depending on your flight schedule, our staff will assist you with your transfer to Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport.

If your flight is in the afternoon, you can take the opportunity to:

• Do some last-minute shopping
• Visit a nearby attraction in downtown Cusco
• Enjoy a coffee at the Plaza de Armas before your departure